Bridegroom is object of desire in comedy at Kent Stark

Written by the notably acerbic Nicky Silver, "The Maiden's Prayer" focuses on four closeknit characters: Taylor and Cynthia, a newly married Manhattan couple; Libby, the bride's sister, and Paul, the groom's best friend.

Libby is part of the romantic quadrangle in "The Maiden's Prayer," a contemporary dramatic comedy opening Friday at Kent State University at Stark, where Nicholson is a freshman theater major.

Written by the notably acerbic Nicky Silver, the play focuses on four closeknit characters: Taylor and Cynthia, a newly married Manhattan couple; Libby, the bride's sister, and Paul, the groom's best friend.

Complicating matters, both Libby and Paul are in love with Taylor, a shared obsession that unites them as friends. "Paul and Libby go through men like crazy because they have these lasting feelings for Taylor," Nicholson said.

Kent Stark theater director Brian Newburg was drawn to "The Maiden's Prayer" due to its edginess and timeliness, he said.

"These are sophisticated, urbane people with complex problems," Newburg said. "Their longing provides much of the comedy, but things get dark as well. That's Nicky Silver's style — one minute you're laughing hysterically, the next there's an ache in your gut.

"We're dealing honestly with straight and gay relationships. My God, that's a topic this year," Newburg said. "This play shows authentically the intertwining of these different lifestyles."

Not unlike itself, "The Maiden's Prayer" has shifting tones as characters make choices. "The first act is funny. The play opens at the wedding with this promise of happiness forever," he said. "Act 2 is quite a heavy-hitter dramatically."

Newburg is drawn to plays that will challenge his student actors. "They are playing characters well outside their realm of experience, which is what I think we should be doing here," he said.

The acting challenge is confirmed by Nicholson. "The thing that's different about this play that I like is it's not just comedic. These are events I could actually see occurring in someone's everyday life," she said. "It's very in your face, but not too much. Nicky Silver throws sarcasm in there in the most wicked ways. It's thrilling, gritty and witty at the same time."